Níłtsą́ // A Monsoon Film (4K, 8K)

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Níłtsą́: the Navajo word for 'rain'

Two years in the making. Almost 80 total days of chasing. Tens of thousands of miles driven. All packed into 12 minutes of the best storms and moments from the 2021/22 monsoon in Arizona. These films are my entire heart and passion for what I do. Sometimes I'm so tired I don't even want to chase, and I have to MAKE myself get into the truck and start driving. And it's almost always worth it.

One of my supporters on Patreon answered my call for a possible new name for the series. I wasn't sure if I wanted to, and it would take something special to get me to do it. Leonard's wife suggested Niltsa, and I immediately fell in love with it. It's a gorgeous word. Our adopted son Eli is half Native American as well and it felt like the right name this year to honor him and his heritage. Thank you Leonard and wife!

The storms I saw the last two summers were amazing. Of course 2022 was far superior, but it overall was a blast. Some incredible lightning storms, beautiful sunsets, dust storms and powerful downbursts. The final few minutes of the film are of course jammed with the good stuff, but the ending storm (which is the thumbnail for this film) was something otherworldly.

Thanks to so many people for helping in this. My supporters on Patreon...workshops guests who spend their hard earned dollars to go chasing with me...the BBC for having me lead a group in 2021 for 12 days, which ensured I saw a ton of weather.

Thank you to Peter Nanasi as always for developing some epic, custom music for me! You are a hero dude!

Mainly as always to my wife Jina for being the utter beacon of support I would be lost without. I was gone a lot this past spring/summer and her ability to manage the chaos of our house when I'm gone is amazing. To her and the kids...I love you all, thanks for allowing me to chase my passion!

I hope you all enjoy this film. It's always a tough thing for me to put these out into the world. I've watched this one a few hundred times, fixed dust spots, camera shake, colors and errant fingers. At some point you just have to be done and let it live.

Thank you for watching and please feel free to share!

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Captured with: Canon 5DSR and R5
Edited/Processed with: LR Timelapse, Adobe Lightroom/After Effects/Premiere Pro

[TierAmerican]

The only thing more powerful than mother nature is the way in which Mike Olbinski captures it.

[AlEndo]

A snail was mugged by two turtles. When the police came by, she could not give many details - "It all happened so fast!" We're programmed by evolution to perceive things at our most relevant time scale and size scale. So, when things are markedly speeded up or slowed down, we can see things not evident in "normal real life."

[TheLittleAlien]

Mind-blowing cinematography by a true artist. Mike's film reveals more about storm formation in 12 minutes than years of theoretical lectures at university.

[BeccaTheWreckahhh]

This is why Earth is the Sun's favorite kid.

[paulinedear]

Achingly beautiful. At once mesmerizing and shocking. Bravo!

[zelkuta]

The shot at 4:30 is awesome, seeing the entire rain machinery all in one shot.

[rrrosecarbinela]

Your work has always been amazing. This is outstanding in a field of amazing. Excellent collab and meshing with the music, and your photography is superb. Thank you, and your family, for all the time and effort that goes into this, you always take us to a world we are fools to take for granted.

[HotRatsAndTheStooges]

I'm absolutely speechless. This is the kind of thing I wish I could experience and capture. Your work is so inspiring to me. And Nanasi's soundtrack just knocks it out of the park. Thank you for sharing such an awe inspiring video.

[maxxlindley]

This one actually moved me to tears ...you are truly an artist of the highest caliber...generous too. I don't know alot of folks who'd show everyone their trade secrets. I know you storm chasers are an elect breed but you Sir, are surely at the top. I love chasing ( in the car ) as I'm petrified of lightning lol

[cheeseandjamsandwich]

Having to watch this a few times...
Each time watching different parts fo the scene, the clouds, the rain, the terrain... Almost too much going on! ;-)

[macmclaren]

Mike, I've been following you for a couple of years now from over in the UK, I am always awestruck by your films. Every aspect of them is Epic, the filming, editing and music work flawlessly in a way that big budget production companies would struggle to replicate. You are a rare talent, thank you to you (and your family) for reminding us how amazing nature is. Keep up the good work!

[burzeinpolska]

Wow, This film is amazing!
Storms are beautiful.

[ryanlotgd]

this might actually be my fav of all your films mike the night shots are something else

[geogypsytraveler]

That production was most amazing. I could feel the storm energy coming off my screen! You are a nepholographer to the max! Just learned time-lapse this season, and what a great season it was.

[moccasinlanding]

POWERFUL!!!! The sound track was mystical like a Genie disappearing in a wet swirling veil for conclusion!

[roman.keller]

This storm lapses are beyond impressive! ❤

[.]

I like how you increased the time that the bolt is on screen while having the rest of the timelapse move on smoothly

[bevgordon]

You and Peter create a fusion and synergy so mesmerizing and fantastic! I wish I could watch full size on my bedroom ceiling, with the best headphones money can buy, and weep and watch over and over!

[MartinCapron]

If only you could capture that magical smell of rain in the desert! Beautiful work!❤

[photographykristof]

I'm speechless! Incredible scenes you captured!